EFT from an NLP Perspective

by Ruthi Backenroth
www.EFTACTION.com
Suffern, New York, USA

Gary Craig’s early experience with psychology included becoming an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master, and he incorporated many NLP concepts into his development of EFT. Many EFT practitioners feel that having a working knowledge of NLP enhances the “Art of EFT.”

I have studied Gary Craig’s videos for hundreds of hours and am still amazed at the simplicity of his brilliant successes. Something I have noticed, but it is not often mentioned, is the constant succession of trans-derivational searches that Gary encourages. He is having the person do these inner searches all the time.

Trans-derivational Search (TDS) Definition: “the process of searching back through one’s stored memories and mental representations to find the reference experience from which a current behavior or response was derived.” (Dilts, 1990).

These ‘Gary Craig Questions’ lead to trans-derivational searches:

What is the intensity on a scale of 1 to 10? (Every time he asks about intensity, that’s another search.)

How is the pain now?

Gary repeats the description, using many of the same words, and asks if that is correct.

He gives a choice of emotions for the person to choose.

He says that he wants to be accurate in describing the emotional discomfort, and confirms that he is accurate.

Gary often touches or points to the part of the body that is described.

Movie technique….
How long would the movie be?
Give it a title
Imagine sitting in a movie theater and watching it
If you had to tell the story, what do you think your intensity would be?
Imagine it brighter, in other colors, sizes, etc.
Try to get your emotion up.

He says something, and then asks, “Is that accurate?”

He repeats the exact words the person used, many times. (Causes a TDS each time.)

He tests for a reaction many times. (Try it again. Is it different now? )

He pauses and hesitates often.

He shows that he is thinking about the next thing to try.

He gives the option of what to work on next to the person.
“We can work on whichever memory you choose.”
“Which foot should we concentrate on?”

He is constantly asking about the changes in emotional and physical pain, and he asks for a description and for intensity levels after most rounds of tapping.

I welcome all comments and remarks about the above movie approach or about the concept of TDS. EFT does owe a lot to NLP, and knowledge of some NLP concepts can enhance our work with EFT.

Ruthi Backenroth utilizes results-oriented EFT techniques. She helps executives, professionals, and homemakers find lasting relief from stress, anxiety, and pain. She offers sessions by phone and can be reached at www.EFTAction.com.